[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Honiara City Council (HCC) and the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) have renewed their partnership to drive the 2026 High School Basketball Competition, reinforcing their joint commitment to youth sport development in Honiara.
The two bodies formalised the arrangement through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed last Friday, clearing the way for the much-anticipated schools competition to tip off with its opening ceremony on May 10.
Under the agreement, HCC will continue to provide access to its sporting facilities, enabling SIBF to deliver the competition for secondary school teams across the capital.
HCC City Clerk Justus Denni welcomed the continued collaboration, saying the council remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and youth engagement.
“HCC is pleased to continue this partnership with SIBF. This competition plays an important role in promoting sport, healthy activity, and the development of basketball among our school students,” Denni said.
He added that school-based competitions are vital in shaping young people through discipline, teamwork and positive participation.
SIBF Secretary General Uriel Matanani acknowledged the council’s ongoing support, particularly in providing venues essential for staging the competition.
“We thank HCC for its continued support towards basketball development, especially through access to its facilities,” Matanani said.
He assured that the federation will deliver the competition in line with the agreement and maintain close coordination with the council throughout the season.
Matanani also highlighted the competition’s growing importance within SIBF’s player development structure.
“The High School Basketball Competition is now an integral part of our development pathway. It gives us the opportunity to identify and nurture young talents who can go on to represent Solomon Islands in the future,” he said.
SIBF further recognised the contribution of schools, teachers, coaches, parents and volunteers in sustaining the growth of basketball at the grassroots level.
The 2026 competition is expected to draw participation from schools across Honiara, setting the stage for another competitive and exciting season of youth basketball.
The High School Basketball Competition has become a key fixture on Honiara’s school sports calendar, serving as a talent identification platform for SIBF while promoting structured competition among young athletes. The partnership between HCC and SIBF has been instrumental in ensuring consistent access to facilities and the successful delivery of the annual program.
Photo credit: Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF)
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